By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Babatunde Hunpe and Damilola Sonayon-James |
LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a major political development shaping the future of Lagos State, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, has formally congratulated Hon. Damilola Sonayon James on her historic emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate for the upcoming Lagos State Governorship election.
Sonayon James, the current APC Deputy State Woman Leader for Lagos State, is set to run alongside the party's standard-bearer, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
Speaking on the historic development, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe described the selection of Sonayon James as a massive milestone that underscores the core values of the progressive movement in Lagos. He noted that her elevation is a clear testament to her years of quiet diligence and grassroots mobilization.
"This historic development is a fitting recognition of competence, loyalty, capacity, and years of unwavering commitment to the progressive ideals that have shaped the remarkable growth and development of Lagos State," Hunpe stated. "It is also a powerful affirmation of the increasing role of women in leadership and governance, demonstrating that leadership is not defined by geography or gender, but by character, competence, and the ability to serve."
For the people of the Badagry Division, the nomination carries an even deeper emotional and strategic weight, signaling a deliberate effort by the state’s political leadership to ensure peripheral border communities are given a seat at the highest decision-making table.
"For us in Badagry Federation, this moment carries profound significance. It is not merely the emergence of a candidate; it is the elevation of a worthy daughter of our land to a position from which she can contribute meaningfully to the governance and continued transformation of Lagos State," Hunpe added.
The local government chief extended his immense gratitude to national and state leaders who facilitated this inclusive transition. Chief among them is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whom Hunpe described as the foundational architect of the state's modern political framework.
"I wish to express profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the architect of modern Lagos and leader of our progressive family, whose enduring vision continues to shape a political culture that rewards merit, loyalty, inclusion, and service," said Hunpe.
He further commended the current Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the incoming flagbearer, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for maintaining the developmental trajectory that has long made Lagos a model state in Nigeria.
The decision has sent waves of excitement through various party organs, including the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and the state chapter of the APC under the chairmanship of Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi. According to Hunpe, the victory belongs to everyday party faithful who believe that hard work eventually paves the path to higher responsibility.
"Today is not only a victory for Hon. Damilola Sonayon James; it is a victory for women, a victory for grassroots politics, a victory for inclusion, and a victory for the enduring ideals of progressive governance," Hunpe remarked.
Concluding his message, the Council Chairman charged the sons and daughters of Badagry, both at home and across the diaspora, to rally firmly behind the joint ticket to ensure shared prosperity and broader development for the entire region.